I don’t agree that no one wins. The rule of law wins. This case should not have even gone to trial. The histrionics by women’s groups are just that: over-emotional and unreasoned.

I have been told that Ghomeshi should have been forced to take the stand and defend himself. What utter nonsense. As for the “contradictory behaviour” of the witnesses and the idea that there may be a reasonable explanation, I beg to differ.

It clearly was shown that the three women colluded and were out to get the defendant with their use of inflammatory language like “I bet he is panic-eating now” and the various derogatory terms used when emailing one another and planning their strategies. Once again, thank goodness the rule of law prevailed and hopefully it will continue to do so.

Maria Barker, Ottawa

Mourning only ‘First World’ terror victims

Many people have taken to social media following the Brussels attacks and shown support and solidarity for the victims. And yet, as in November, when the world stood by the Paris victims but paid little attention to the hundreds killed in other, earlier attacks, we’re seeing the same thing again. Just three weeks ago, ISIL bombed a crowded market in Baghdad, killing more than 70 people. Yet there was no reaction from the world.

Why do we ignore the countless deaths of people across the globe, but show solidarity to victims in the First World? The few people who have begun using the #StopIslam hashtag should keep in mind that the Qur’an says killing one innocent life is like killing all mankind.

I’m an Ahmadi Muslim and a Canadian; the values that my faith and my country have taught me are to mourn with all life lost, regardless of where the victims are from, be they Jew, Christian, Atheist, Muslim or otherwise.

Raza Shah, Ottawa

Terrorism has its own agenda

There is nothing Belgium, or the rest of Europe, can do to prevent terrorism. Terrorism has its own agenda. Brussels did not provoke it by either its actions or non-actions.

Islamic terrorism is opportunistic. Its goal is the destruction of western societies and their replacement with a caliphate. Radical Islam has the Qur’an, the mosque and the media to propel it. It doesn’t need anyone else’s help.

Today, as we see the invasion of Europe and the lap-dog eagerness of western companies and governments to do business with Iran, one has to wonder why terrorism is required at all, unless it’s just one more element to speed the fall of the Judeo-Christian world.

Len Bennett, Ottawa

Muslims also fear violent extremism

Another terror attack has happened in a European city, and again backlash against Muslims who have absolutely nothing to do with this attack will follow. Muslims, already living in fear both in Muslim countries and in non-Muslims countries, always become the victims of hatred, racism and discrimination whenever such an attack takes place.

Actions of extremists in the name of religion only serve to create distress in an otherwise peaceful and happy society. But terrorism has no religion. As Muslims, our heartfelt prayers are with the victims of these attacks and all those who have been affected. May the perpetrators of this evil act be promptly brought to justice.

Prior to amalgamation, the City of Ottawa’s “rural” residents, who are on private wells and septic systems, received storm water services. Those services were funded from general property tax revenues; in real terms they have never stopped paying for these services. Further, it should be acknowledged these rural city residents are required to maintain the ditches fronting their properties, so to me a new “fee” for a service not provided hardly sounds fair.

I support more clarity in how my property tax dollars are spent. I would welcome a complete line-item accounting for my total property tax bill so I can observe how prudent our elected (and some non-elected) officials are watching our collective purse strings.

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